BANTING - Five individuals, including three Singaporeans, were issued compound notices in Johor Bahru yesterday for littering in public places, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Nga said he received the latest information from the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp), which has been conducting inspections in the state following the enforcement of the Community Service Order under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) on Jan 1.
"They thought they could do it (litter in public places); now they cannot. We want Singapore to be clean, Malaysia even cleaner,” he said when speaking at the 2025 Local Government Department Touch of Success Ceremony at the Sungai Jarom Public Market here today.
Speaking at a press conference later, Nga said that 120 litterbugs were issued compound notices in the federal capital on New Year’s Eve, and further legal action would be taken by the prosecution.
When asked about implementation in five states - Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Selangor - which are not subject to Act 672, Nga said enforcement would be carried out by the local authorities.
The Community Service Order under Act 672 came into effect on Jan 1, 2026, as a penalty to address the issue of littering in public places.
In a statement on Dec 31, the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) said the implementation of the Community Service Order would take effect in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis and Kedah, as well as in two Federal Territories, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
For Penang, Selangor, Kelantan and Terengganu, which did not adopt Act 672, implementation of the order will begin as soon as possible, subject to approval by their respective state authorities.
The punishment was implemented through amendments to Act 672, which were passed by Parliament in the second half of last year.
Meanwhile, Nga said 10 markets nationwide will be developed as pilot tourism destinations and community landmarks as part of the government’s efforts to further stimulate the national economy, with more than RM10 million allocated.
He said the design concept for each market would be determined through an open design competition, judged by independent parties, with local authorities working together with the Malaysian Institute of Architects to select the best designs.
"They will select designs that best reflect identity, heritage, culture and the environment. Each state will have its own design, as each has a different mould suited to its heritage and culture,” he said.
On another matter, Nga said the tabling of the Urban Renewal Bill would proceed according to the schedule set by Parliament, adding that KPKT has received feedback on the bill from all parties.
"I leave it to the Prime Minister’s Department. The bill will proceed according to the schedule set by Parliament. KPKT is always ready (to table the bill). We are fully prepared, but we respect the agenda set by Parliament,” he said. - BERNAMA